In the past couple of years, nearly all of us have heard about the phenomenon that is CBD. And of course, lots of us are wondering what the heck CBD oil is and what it does. Is it pot? Will it make me high? Is it legal? Is it safe?

More and more, people are being educated in the therapeutic benefits of CBD for anxiety among other conditions such as pain, sleeplessness, stress, inflammation, and more. In fact, these are benefits we keep at the top of mind when designing our Wisdom Essentials CBD formulas. 

For instance, anxiety becomes more common as you make your way through life and it is actually most common among Modern Midlife adults, such as ourselves. This may be due to a number of factors, including changes in the brain and nervous system as we age, and being more likely to experience stressful life events that can trigger anxiety.

Based on the existing research, we intentionally develop products that holistically target your health from plant-based remedies such as ginkgo biloba, terpenes, and more, in addition to the CBD included in our tinctures. 

Does CBD really work for anxiety?

A study by Harvard Medical Center introduces the health benefits of cannabidiol—the fancy name for CBD. The article goes on to note the evidence for some of the common ailments that many of us Modern Midlifers may be suffering with. 

Specifically, it states that “CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep”. 

Moreover, it is commonly understood that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and therefore thought to affect CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system. While the exact interaction of CBD with these receptors needs to be studied further, based on initial research, it is possible that CBD alters serotonin signals. 

Lower levels of serotonin are commonly found in those who suffer from depression and in many cases, not having enough serotonin also causes anxiety. 

The conventional treatment for low serotonin is a type of prescription medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs. These include medications such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac). 

How do I take CBD for anxiety?

Researchers and healthcare professionals have yet to establish standardized dosing recommendations for CBD therapy. There are specific recommendations for CBD dosage per brand, but the truth is, until the FDA rules on the efficacy of cannabidiol themselves, it is a matter of trial and error. 

With that being said, a number of studies have shown that the dosage that a person takes to relieve anxiety with CBD depends on the product and how they administer it.

Learn more about Wisdom Essentials’ CBD dosage recommendations for our product line. 

Is CBD better than medication for anxiety?

Well, that’s tricky. While a combination of therapy and medication may be used to treat anxiety and depression (please talk with your doctor!), there may be other lifestyle options and behaviors that can lessen anxiety. For instance:

• Getting a better night’s sleep
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol
• Eating well and consistently
• Using relaxation techniques 
• Taking up relaxing hobbies

In 2015 and again in 2019, the NIH reported on studies that showed CBD to have benefits for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. They wrote that “Current evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, with need for further study of chronic and therapeutic effects in relevant clinical populations”. 

Another study, quoted in University Health News in Neurotherapeutics showed that “preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrates CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)… with a lack of anxiogenic (anxiety-producing) effects, minimal sedative effects, and an excellent safety profile”.

The Bottom Line About CBD

The anecdotal evidence and literature are developing a strong picture that CBD has promising effects in treating mental health disorders in a more natural way. But the bottom line is that the only expert on your personal mental health treatment will be your doctor. 

If you have concerns about taking prescription SSRIs, talk with your doctor about plant-based alternatives such as CBD to get a professional recommendation that works for you. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before use. The legal age of use/consumption is 21 years of age. Wisdom Essentials products do not contain more than the hemp standard of 0.3% THC.